Obsessed - An Interview with Neil Peart 

I met Neil in the late 90's when he was in Fairbanks, Alaska when he was wandering the country after his series of unfortunate events. The whole story is too long to post here but I can tell you a few things about Neil. I have met many a celebrity in my travels and Neil was absolutely 100% the nicest, most down to earth, intelligent rock star I have ever met. All I all we spent about 2 hours together in a bar called the Greyhound lounge which was right across the street from the Westmark hotel where he was staying. We talked about all sorts of things and shared a couple of drinks...and here's the kicker: he wouldn't admit he was Neil Peart. The first thing I said to him was " Geezz, you look like Neil Peart" which he brushed off and said he wasn't- yet another clue actually, as who in the heck knows who Neil Peart is if your not a musician really? It was only till his book came out that I recognized his motorcycle and him with a goatee and beanie that I realized it was actually him. For all of you who have ever wondered about what Neil is like, he is exactly as he comes across in videos like this, intelligent, clear and present and engaging...even after a shot of whiskey and bumming a few smokes from me. A memory that I will cherish forever.

He spoke like he played- interesting, articulate, thoughtful and stacked with enthusiasm. What a driving force. This one hurts.

Been a Rush fan for 40 years. I feel as if I've lost a family member. Rest in peace Professor.

R.I.P. my friend. You will be sorely missed.

i feel smarter just because i listened to him speak

Such a cerebral giant. The modern world is in severe short supply of people like Neil. Its extra hard to bear when we lose a man like him. Rest peacefully Professor. You've more than earned this planet's respect sir.

Peart could narrate buttering bread and it would sound interesting to me.

This is difficult to watch right now. RIP Neil Peart, you’re the reason why most drummers play drums.

Rest In Peace Mr. Peart. So many people are grieving your death. You meant a lot to so many music lovers and drummers.

This guy just oozes with intelligence I've never in my 44 years here on Earth heard another person in the Rock genre speak as intelligently as he does

An obsessive personality with positive intent, from his lyrics to his drumming to his writing Neil is a great example of being Human.

Funny how he strived so much as a teen to be extraordinary and then craving an ordinary man's life. He's really a character out of a novel... A great one.

RIP my friend. You were a musicians musician and a humble thinking man's man.

This man is not only one of the world's best drummers, he also is a role model and one of the most intelligent musicians that I have ever encountered. Thank you Neil for the many thousand of hours That I have listened to you and Rush. You are definitely a polished gem.

Neil lived ten lives in one. He was adventurous, constantly seeking knowledge, well traveled and a skilled musician with a lot of tragedies in his life . He was known to be shy, here he shares so much. He may be gone, yet he is still here.

"Suddenly, you were gone From all the lives you left your mark upon..." Thanks Neil Peart for your amazing contribution to the soundtrack of my life. Rest in Peace, "The Professor"

Dude blows my mind. Always has, always will.

Not only is this man the BEST DRUMMER in Rock, he's the most eloquent and fluid lyricist to boot! Rush is that rare combination where the musical and lyrical blend into a symbiotic relationship reached by few in the pantheon of Rock.

Whenever I see/hear him it doesn't actually seem like he's gone, it seems like he's just siting in front of me, speaking his words of wisdom.

All I know is he's added a lot of joy to my life.

Travels to China without a camera, so he can capture the trip it in his words.... Nothing less than brilliant. Absolutely brilliant...

"For you - the blind who once could see - The bell tolls for thee....." Shocked and extremely sad. Not only was he an amazing drummer and lyricist but also a truly honest and modest person. RIP

Neil Peart has always been a role model ever since I discovered Rush. Aside from the innovative drumming and thought-provoking lyrics, the thing I've always looked up to in Neil is how he's intellectually curious about the world around him. Most people may not know this, but Neil dropped out of High School and never went to college -- and yet, if you watch his interviews, he always talks about how he loves to visit foreign cultures, national parks and art museums (also, read the lyrics to the song "Mission"). In another life, Neil would have made a great college professor, and he'll always be a proxy mentor to me.

it's always a pleasure to listen to Neil talk about anything.

Neil Peart and John Bonham were my inspirations to play drums, which I did most of my life. I miss playing drums now that I am in a wheelchair, but I have always played guitar so my song lives on and I play now and people love it. Thank you Neil for the inspiration that made a definitive impact on my life. And as far as the red nose, it's 12:32 pm Friday and I just started working on having a red nose with Guinness in hand :)

In spite of the loss of his daughter, then later his wife, Neil had a full life. May your touring of the afterlife be as fulfilling as your mortal one. RIP, Professor.

Every rocker in the world has to love this man! See you on stage in heaven some day Neil!❤️🕊

Honestly, who gives this a thumbs down ?! Everyone has already said what I am thinking. Your intelligent, fascinating, talented beyond compare, but above everything else - humble! Rest in Peace.

What a wonderful soul...man this ride we call life is so fleeting. Live your best life, it certainly sounded like Neil did.

I love how Neil describes not becoming isolated because he was always meeting people at stops and shops and motels, chatting with them. This is not the silent, standoffish, stuck-up or unfriendly person some idiots have tried to portray...what this is is the normal behaviour of a classic and friendly introvert! I know in an interview he talked about introvert shyness, but this interview shows the more accurate truth: introverts are NOT shy necessarily. That is a stupid stereotype. Shyness is something completely separate from introversion. The man, Neil Peart, was my kind of person: intelligent, approachable, articulate and a biker! It just happens that he was one of the three [vital] legs of the trio, making the best rock band ever! Damn...RIP Professor. We all miss you.

Subdivisions is probably my favorite Rush song, actually, just favorite song ever

He was a fascinating, worldly human. Oh, and also a mind blowing evolutionary percussionist btw. I miss your space on this world made better by you.

We love you Neil

2020 brings an end to an incredible musician - the legacy of RUSH lives on.......

He, is what happens to a human being, when dedication, passion and purpose become constant. I love to listen to him speak because he has a gift of explaining something/anything in a totally comprehensive way.

RIP Neil, you will be missed by drummers all over the planet.

Professor Peart, we’re gonna miss you. Smartest guy in rock history.

Neil makes drumming sound like rocket science. A true professor and percussion wizard. May you continue to rock on in a paradiddle dimension.

The best, most skilled, refined drummer musician of all time. Period.

after all the Rush listened to and honestly thinking about Neil... let's listen to the man himself. We're not worthy. Neil suffered so much and found a way to cope with his losses. It was through connecting with other people. Such a great lesson for us all. let's not wait for the end before we realize your neighbor is a human, a soul and one that we all need as sentient beings on this plane of existence. I have to admit, such a legend to most of us, anonymously traversing the globe in random connections makes me both jealous, envious and awestruck. Why didn't I meet him then? Why would he have cared? Neil's humanity may have been bolstered by his personal tragedies, but in the end he's so much more grounded, figuratively and literally than any of the other rich and famous who SAY they care about the common man. Neil is the common man, just so uncommon.

Wow, a wonderful jam packed life this man lived. He attacked every day with a purpose. I’ll miss him.

I could listen to Neil Peart talk almost as long as I could listen to him drum. Rest in peace.

Neil and the boys make me proud to be canadian... The music will go on forever.

Neil is a class act. Been a fan for over 30 yrs

I am so sad he just passed away! Huge rush fan and he was such an important role and just what a brain my goodness! Such a huge loss in the music industry of talent and just a huge loss of an amazing human being.

He just gives off such a thoughtful, intelligent vibe during his interviews. It always feels like he's talking about something interesting or important. Rip to a power house of a man

A man who lived life to it's fullest. Figuratively and literally. We should all be so lucky to live by Neil's example, and be inclined to read his literary words...his books, and hear his literary words...his lyrics, in song.

I really miss Neil, I can’t believe he’s gone. So many memories with RUSH. Descansa en paz maestro 🥁

A thoughtful, mature human being leading a great life, with some tragedy mixed in to keep him humble. Play on Neil! You're an inspiration!

More tears. I'm not ready to live in a world without Neil Peart.

such an articulate speaker. and naturally, that's 'always' come out in his playing. just an inspiration, on so many level's. what a life he's had...

He's a pretty good prose writer, in addition to being a great drummer. Wish I'd met him along with Geddy and Alex in 2004 (meet 'n' greet). I wanted to tell him that despite having bought Moving Pictures at age 11 -- first music purchase -- and having a real love for his drumming, his book Ghost Rider was so absorbing that I forgot who he was while I was reading it. Alex or Geddy would come up, and I'd sort of start inside and think, "Oh, yeah -- this is the drummer of Rush writing her." Good to see him enjoying life again.

What a man! His life may have been cut short, but he crammed it full of adventure and achievement. RIP Neil Peart, Sir (GOAT).

My first concert was Rush Permanent Waves tour in Phoenix in 1980, about a month before I turned 14. Saw Moving Pictures tour the next year. Rush has always been my favorite band. He is with Selena and Jackie now. 🙏

Been watching him all day now. Immense sadness. I love you Neil, thank you for helping shape who I’ve become. Be at piece

RIP Neil Peart. September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020 (Age 67). He is and always will be the best drummer in the world. Nobody can't even come close to matching his style. The king of the drumming world. I grew up spending countless hours listening to Rush songs on MTV and Stereo Panama radio station from 1984- 1991. He wrote most of Rush song lyrics by adding a unique mix of ancient philosophy, comic books action sequences and strong messages that shaped my teenage years. Great nostalgia. Neil Peart you will remain forever closer to the heart of all Rush fans worldwide ! "We are only immortal for a limited time." - Neil Peart, Dreamline, Presto album (1989).

I’m not an overly emotional guy but the second I heard of Neil’s passing my heart sank ....this feeling is usually reserved for family, and even though his persona was otherwise we all pretended he was our long awaited friend R.I.P. ......

Dynamic rock playing.....what an understatement. Neil and John Bonham were both dynamic percussionists. Their sets got worked out......hard! Neil Peart explored this world on so many different levels, not just as a percussionist. The Professor is truly apropos.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Professor on the drum kit...."

The best drummer of all time, always incredible to listen.

seriously one of the coolest humans ever....such life adversity but basic coolness and style w/o ramming it down others throats

His percussion skills were an extension of his intellect. Brilliant!!!!!

Have all of his books. My life revolves around Rush and the beautiful words of Neil Peart. A truly remarkable person. A great loss for humanity. RIP Bubba

Gone but not forgotten. His genius will live forever.

This dude has kept me sane for the last 40 years. Thanks Neil. Owe you a beer mate.

Had never heard the man speak before. What an amazing man he was. Wow.

The professor will be sorely missed. Gone too soon like so many of my favorites..Rest in Paradise!. You made Canada proud!!!

His speech is very eloquent, and he's a very richly experienced and life educated man. I can see how he was thr main lyricist of their music. Rest in Peace, sir.

"certain reverses in life..." a man describes losing his wife and daughter...what a underlying strength of character to be able to hold it together and plow forward. unbelievable, his strength and drive. So glad he was in my timeline on Earth.

RIP and long live Neil Peart (September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020), aged 67 You will always be remembered as a legend.

Absolutely a deep, deep human being and one of my favorite people on the planet.

"I had certain reverses in life" Holy understatements, Batman.

Neil's genius as a musician is often celebrated, and rightly so, but what I find most precious about him was how true he was to himself, that he expressed it, and in so doing let others feel less alone. I'm just so grateful for his work and to everyone involved who helped make it happen. I'm kicking myself for not yet having listened to all the Rush albums nor read all of his books, but to do so would be the most fitting tribute each of us can make, I think. Best wishes to everyone on here

Neil, is so mind blowing, both musically and intellectually! An incredible human, now passed on.

One can only marvel at the eloquence of how he articulates his craft at 7:01; his passing has granted me new heights of appreciation from what was already a lofty perch.

I want all of his books now

The best drummer in the world. May he rest in peace. ♥

Didn’t know he wrote books. Being a fan and a motorcyclist, l will definitely be reading his words. Rest In Peace, Neil

Met him in Concord, CA on a whim. Didn't wanna say anything to him (I was respecting his privacy) but he started talking to me and I almost pissed my pants. He was such a cool interesting, insightful human being. RIP bro you will surely be missed. They need to write a book containing all of his lyrics.

If i could pick a single dinner and beers to have with anyone. This would be the best. Just listen to the Master for 2 hours.

Since hearing of Neil's death along with the rest of the world on Friday Jan 10 2020, I've devoured every piece of information via documentaries, interviews, tributes, other fans reflections of Rush and Neil Peart that I could get my fingers on. Rush has been an important part of my life since discovering 2112 in my teens. I'm 55 now. All this to say, this piece that you've put together here in this video has to be thee one, the most informative and reflective of Neil's heart and soul. Thank you a million times for this 💝

This man was a once in a lifetime artist. Musician, painter, author, naturalist, etc. The world is a bit darker without him. R.I.P. Profressor.

Among all else, what a great spoken voice. RIP.

RIP Neil. You’ll be missed.

When he mentions having "certain reverses in life" I believe he is referring to the death of his daughter and 1st wife

His drum kit looks like a castle ,and he was the king

You were certainly a renaissance man for the ages. Neil, your lyrics were magical for many of us. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. We are all the better for it.

Best Drummer On The Planet, and He and His Mates Still Make Our Nation Proud. Thanks Neil.

I wish I could talk like him and craft narration the way he does.

R.I.P. Neil..Hands down "The best ever".He will be so missed.He is now with his love of his life and his daughter...

R.I.P. Professor...and thank you...for everything.

Neil Peart was just a genuine good human being...........Godspeed to you.

Everyone should find passions like this. I just love hearing him speak and I am definitely going to read his books. What a brilliant man. I love that my fave Rush song is playing in the background-- Subdivisions

I admire Neil Peart even more now..he was just a regular guy and an excellent drummer playing in a rock band who knew how to enjoy life ..RIP Neil Peart

A day later and I still just can't come to terms... "Suddenly you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon."

Such a great musician... and person I want to read his books ...very sad to see his excellent life come to an end ... I’m glad I seen them multiple times at the garden in Nyc I remember hearing 2112 for the first time bought the album and was hooked ! Rip Neil Peart !!!

I can't get enough of this man's splenderific drumming!

Just a great guy...so damn grounded.. God bless you..

This honestly tears me up. 😭 not only was Neil Peart a great drummer, but down to earth kind of guy who loved not only playing drums but was always fascinated into what interest him. You will be greatly missed Mr. Neal. Rest easy

I see some people dislike this man talking about his life and sharing info and introspects. I see this and it honestly makes me worry for them.